FRUIT PRODUCTION DECLINES BY ABOUT 50 THOUSAND TONS IN ARMENIA THIS YEAR

Noyan Tapan
Nov 8, 2007

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, NOYAN TAPAN. Fruit production amounted to 235
thousand tons in Armenia this year – against 283 thousand tons in
2006. The head of the plant growing development and plant protection
department of the RA ministry of agriculture Garnik Petrosian said
at the November 8 press conference that the apricot crops declined
by about 35 thousand tons, making only 13-14 thousand tons.

According to him, 220 tons of grapes was produced, which is more by
about 20 thousand tons than in 2006. Grapes were purchased by 30
processing companies. The main purchasers were the Yerevan Brandy
Company (29 thousand tons) and the Yerevan Wine, Vodka and Brandy
Enterprise (20 thousand tons).

G. Petrosian announced that 435-537 thousand tons of grain was
harvested in the country this year – against 213 thousand tons in
2006. The average crop yield of grain made 24 centners. In his words,
this growth is due to favorable climatic conditions and to efficient
masures aimed at improvement of seed supply. In particular, 3,400
tons of high-quality wheat seeds were given gratis to farms in the
autumn of 2006.

The department head said that 570 thousand tons of potato was
harvested this year, which is more by about 30-35 thousand tons than
in 2006. Production of melons and watermelons has also increased.

In his words, that by late 2007, the Armenian government will allocate
subsidies of 200 million drams (about 606 thousand USD) for the import
of 20 thousand tons of nitrogen fertilizer.